BMC to open 80 Jalchatras in city

BHUBANESWAR: Many poor people from across the State are coming to the capital city for various purposes and they could not purchase water bottles from the shop to satiate their thirst. The free water facility at different places in the city helps them saving money as well as from sunstroke. But this year, the Bhubaneswar Municipal Corporation (BMC) has not started the free water facilities (Jalchatras) though the mercury level of the city crossed 39.2 degree Celsius.  

The city-dwellers also demanded early opening of Jalchatras in the city. “BMC should open jalchatras immediately without making any delay. The heat is increasing day by day, but no free water facility is provided in the city now,” said a passerby Gunagrahi Barik who hails from Pipili in search of work in the city.

“To beat the scorching heat of summer, people need sufficient water to drink which would maintain water balance in the body. The water deficit problem and the heat may cause sun stroke,” said a doctor.

While BMC Mayor Anant Narayan Jena said that they would open the jalchatras very shortly. “Like every year, we are planning to open 80 to 100 Jalchatras in the city from April 1,” said Mayor Jena on Wednesday. He continued, “The lassi and fruit juice vendors were told to open jalchatras in front of their shop according to their agreement with them.”